'25 Hill' Call Brings Over 1,000 Extras from Akron, Ohio

Filming of "25 Hill" starring Corbin Bernsen, Maureen Flannigan, and Timothy Omundson, wrapped up in Akron, Ohio in late summer of 2010. Area residents, myself included, were called upon as uncompensated extras and over 1,000 answered the call. The movie, set to be released in late summer of 2011, will coincide with the 74^th anniversary of the Soapbox Derby at Derby Downs Raceway.

All who answered the newspaper ad expected glamorous movie stars and exciting "lights, camera, ACTION!" but instead were met with the reality of movie production, which is "Show up early, wait, wait some more, film for a moment, go home."

Days were hot and muggy. Those who did not bring a book or lunch were soon tired and cranky. Extras were on set by 7:00 a.m. and by the time they were called upon to be filmed it was often 7:00 p.m. Nothing was as expected, except that Corbin Bernsen, the director of the film, was a gentleman and a true star to all who encountered him. Not everyone was cooperative or kind, but Mr. Bernsen remained a professional throughout. His staff made what was to be expected clear, Mr. Bernsen gave succinct directions, and once the cameras were rolling, everything went quickly and efficiently.

After the first grueling day of waiting in the heat, extras were careful to bring along MP3 players, portable DVD players, books, food, and water to help the days pass quickly. Those who had them shared with those who didn't and card games that started out with two players grew quickly to four or six.

Everyone was mesmerized with the production crew and their foreign gadgets and film-speak. Lights were placed in strange places and odd angles, monitors popped up everywhere, and interns almost outnumbered extras at times.

Filming lasted just a few interesting days but the memories will last Akron residents a lifetime and may breath new life into Soap Box Derby, a sport that is all but forgotten in the age of video games.

All in all it was a fascinating process to be a part of. It gave all participants a new respect for film-makers and a new way to view the movies that we take for granted.